[Based on the true story of Leone Baxter and Clem Whitaker, who
formed the first political consulting firm in U.S. history,
"Campaigns, Inc." is a hysterical and jaw-dropping inside look at the
underbelly of politics through the lens of two of the undeniable
founders of “fake news.]
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CAMPAIGNS, INC.  
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Alan Bresloff
August 11, 2022
Around the Town Chicago
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_ Based on the true story of Leone Baxter and Clem Whitaker, who
formed the first political consulting firm in U.S. history,
"Campaigns, Inc." is a hysterical and jaw-dropping inside look at the
underbelly of politics through the lens of two of the undeniable
founders of “fake news. _

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(Rating: 4/5 stars)

"CAMPAIGNS, INC." continues thru September 18th with performances as
follows:

Wednesdays  7:30 p.m
Thursdays  7:30 p.m.
Fridays  8 p.m.
Saturdays  4 p.m. and 8 p.m. ( except 813-no 4 p.m.)
Sundays  2 p.m.

Tickets range from $42- call box office or visit website to get yours-
you do not want to miss this powerful experience

Website: www.timelinetheatre.com [[link removed]]
Box Office: 773-281-8463  ext  6

Fake News! Over the past 5 or 6 years, this term has become a focal
point in the world of politics. Would you believe that this rather new
expression has been around since the 1930’s? Well it has! In the
World Premiere of Will Allan’s “Campaigns, Inc.” onstage now at
Timeline Theatre we learn about Leone Baxter and Clem Whitaker and the
company they formed called Campaigns, Inc.” Let’s look at the
times and the set-up.

First of all, Timeline is back home at 615 Wellington ( no longer the
church) and the director of this roughly two hour political comedy,
Nick Bowling is at his best. They have always used the small stage to
its full advantage and once again Sydney Lynne has designed a set that
is both movie theater, Hollywood set, Governor’s office and even the
President’s home. All of this on a stage that is about as intimate
as one can get. When you enter the theater and take your seat, you
will see a huge screen with ld movies on it. Yes, some newsreels, but
mostly stars of the era such as Clark Gable, Mary Pickford, Douglas
Fairbanks, Charlie Chaplin and of course little Shirley Temple. It is
like taking a step back into time…a giant step for some and an even
more gigantic leap for others.

The story is about the Governor’s race in 1934 where the incumbent
Frank Merriam ( a powerful performance by Terry Hamilton) fears losing
to author Upton Sinclair (deftly handled by Anish Jethmalani). 
George Hatfield ( Mark Ulrich) is Merriam’s Lt. Governor. This
character is a “yes man” all the way and is one of the strongest
comic touches. Film star Charlie Chaplin ( a truly  strong
performance by Dave Honigman who has all the moves down) is working
with Sinclair to get him the victory.

When Merriam meets Leone Baxter (an incredible performance by Tyler
Meredith) and her partner Clem Whitaker ( Yuriy Sardarov is sleek and
has the look and feel of the era- FYI- for those of you into
“Chicago Fire”, this gentleman was Otis). They are ad-men who have
formed a partnership to be political advisors/consultants. It was
these two ad-men ( the term used is really non gender) that found a
way to use Sinclair’s own words ( from his writings) to say things
that made him appear to be different than the people thought. In other
words, they created “Fake News”.

The other cast members of this sparkling cast are: David Parkes (
photographer, Douglas Fairbanks, Kyle Palmer, FDR, and Louis B. Mayer)
and Jacqueline Grandt (reporter, Mary Pickford, waitress and Eleanor
Roosevelt). These two truly are remarkable talents and show them to
perfection.

The costumes (Sally Dolembo) are quite authentic in appearance ( as
always , Timeline stays true to the period). The lighting (Jared
Gooding) and sound (Forrest Gregor and  Andrew Hansen) are perfect
with great music to fit the era and the mood. The props (Rowan Doe)
are right on for the period as well. I am old enough to have seen many
of the items they used and many were at my Grandmother’s home. Those
who attend Timeline’s productions know that they are as accurate as
a theater company can get and detail everything to perfection.

This is a swift almost two hours ( with no intermission) and scenes
switch in seconds. The production is filled with history and political
views and is a solid history lesson, so you are getting educated and
entertained in one fell swoop.

* Theater Review
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* theater
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* Politics
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* fake news
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* Upton Sinclair
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